The Rise of the Gray Man: How Mark Greaney Used His Imagination to Become a Successful Thriller Author
Now and then, a writer comes along and captivates readers with an electrifying narrative voice and a knack for crafting suspenseful plots. Mark Greaney is undoubtedly one such author, known internationally for his explosive Gray Man series and his pivotal role in continuing Tom Clancy's storied legacy. But how did Greaney ascend to these lofty heights?
In the latest Everyday Warrior Podcast episode, Greaney shared his journey, punctuated by perseverance, rejection, and serendipity, which provides invaluable lessons for any aspiring writer.
The Success of Mark Greaney's Gray Man Series
In 2009, Greaney introduced the world to Court Gentry, a character who would soon be known as the Gray Man. The debut international thriller of the same name gripped readers with its intricate plot and its complex, compelling protagonist. In the twelve years since, Greaney has penned eleven further Gray Man novels, each contributing to a rich, immersive universe that has drawn legions of loyal fans. In 2022, this saga leaped from page to screen with the release of a Netflix adaptation starring Ryan Gosling as Court Gentry alongside Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, and Billy Bob Thornton.
However, success was not always Greaney's faithful companion. His first foray into writing was an ambitious tale of a Russian assassin, a manuscript that was repeatedly dismissed by publishers. Despite this initial failure, Greaney persisted, exhibiting a resilience that has since defined his career. His second book, 'The Last Enclave,' a chilling account of the Shrubber Nitsa massacre in Bosnia, was considered too audacious for a novice author and encountered similar rejection. It wasn't until his third novel, 'Goon Squad,' that Greaney caught the attention of the publishing industry. While the book showcased his knack for crafting intense action sequences, its mainstream potential was questioned, and Greaney was asked to refine his approach.
Out of this crucible of critique, the Gray Man was born. Greaney's unparalleled attention to detail distinguished him from his peers, lending his books an uncanny sense of realism. He has become known to personally test the weapons, military tactics, and medical procedures that he depicted in his novels, ensuring their accuracy. Court Gentry, an ex-CIA agent turned assassin, navigates through international conflicts with a skill and tenacity that resonates with readers, becoming an unforgettable character in the thriller genre.
Lessons from Mark Greaney's Journey
Beyond the Gray Man series, Greaney's contribution to the literary world has been substantial. Notably, he co-authored seven Tom Clancy novels, continuing the legacy of a titan in the thriller genre. This collaboration began with 'Tom Clancy's True Faith and Allegiance,' which catapulted Greaney to the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. His passion for detail was integral to this success. Greaney's immersion in the Clancy universe required extensive research.
Mark Greaney's newest novel, "Burner," has already made its mark as an electrifying addition to the Gray Man series. Released on February 21st, 2023, it continues the suspenseful exploits of Court Gentry, further deepening the intrigue and appeal of the series. Fans across the globe were thrilled with its release, highlighting Greaney's consistent ability to deliver compelling narratives with each new book.
In the writing process, he carefully straddled the line between authentic military representation and approachable readability. He spoke of the need to blend detailed and technical knowledge with a narrative that appeals to non-military readers. This dexterity is one of the reasons why the Gray Man series is such a monumental success.
In reflecting on his journey, Greaney underlined the importance of learning from failures and rejections, viewing them as opportunities to grow and improve. He emphasized the joy of writing for the sake of writing, a philosophy that helped him transcend the anxieties of commercial success.
Mark Greaney's Inspiring Spirit
Greaney's story, from his early years to his current prominence, is a compelling testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of imagination. It's a journey full of valuable insights for anyone aspiring to leave their mark in the literary world, and a vivid reminder that every setback can pave the way for an incredible comeback. Mark Greaney's extraordinary journey and phenomenal success as an author stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit and relentless pursuit of excellence.
from Men's Journal https://ift.tt/xeYWdb3
1 comments
If you are interested in sophisticated espionage, Ian Fleming, Oleg Gordievsky, John le Carré or Kim Philby you should have heard of Pemberton's People in MI6 by now. Colonel Alan Pemberton CVO MBE knew all of them and features as a leading protagonist in Beyond Enkription in The Burlington Files series.
ReplyDeleteThe book "Beyond Enkription" by Bill Fairclough is the first stand-alone fact-based espionage novel of six autobiographical tomes in The Burlington Files series. As the first book in the series, it provides a gripping introduction to the world of British intelligence and espionage. It is an intense electrifying spy thriller that had me perched on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The twists and turns in the interwoven plots kept me guessing beyond the epilogue. The characters were wholesome, well-developed and intriguing. The author's attention to detail added extra layers of authenticity to the narrative.
In real life Bill Fairclough aka Edward Burlington (MI6 codename JJ) was one of Pemberton’s People in MI6; for more about that see a brief News Article dated 31 October 2022 published in TheBurlingtonFiles website. The series follows the real life of Bill Fairclough (and his family) who worked not only for British Intelligence, but also the CIA et al for several decades. The first tome is set in 1974 in London, Nassau and Port au Prince: see TheBurlingtonFiles website for a synopsis.
Fairclough is not a professional but his writing style is engaging and fast-paced, making it difficult to put the book down as he effortlessly glides from cerebral issues to action-packed scenes which are never that far apart. Beyond Enkription is the stuff memorable spy films are made of. It’s raw, realistic, punchy, pacy and provocative. While the book does not feature John le Carré’s “delicate diction, sophisticated syntax and placid plots” it remains a riveting and delightful read.
This thriller is like nothing we have ever come across before. Indeed, we wonder what The Burlington Files would have been like if David Cornwell (aka John le Carré) had collaborated with Bill Fairclough whom critics have likened to “a posh Harry Palmer”. They did consider collaborating but did not proceed as explained in the aforementioned News Article. Nonetheless, critics have lauded Beyond Enkription as being ”up there with My Silent War by Kim Philby and No Other Choice by George Blake”.
Overall, Beyond Enkription is a brilliantly refreshing book and a must read, especially for espionage cognoscenti. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the future. In the meantime, before reading Beyond Enkription do visit TheBurlingtonFiles website. It is like a living espionage museum and breathtaking in its own right.